We are seated and have to wait for the bride and groom to finish up. While seated, Nell arrives.
Leaning in, I whisper in her ear, “You missed the photos.”
“Sorry,” is all she says, then sips from the glass of water in front of her.
“Want to tell me what the fuck is wrong?”
I get the ice glare that is quickly masked by a sugary sweet Nell and fuck me, my gut tightens but my cock hardens at the same time.
She says nothing for a few seconds, just looking me dead in the eyes.
“Why would you think anything is wrong, Romeo?”
“You were gone this morning when I woke up, then came back and got ready for the wedding. You have barely spoken to me and fuck me, it kind of gives me the feeling that you are pissed at me.”
“Should I have a reason to be pissed at you?” She arches a brow at me.
“You are not answering my questions, but throwing your own back at me.” I sigh. “Fuck, this is why—” I stop myself from saying something that will most certainly cause a fucking fight between us.
“This is why you what?” she asks, but my parents arrive at our table so I shake my head.
Nell’s mask falls into place, a sweet smile on her face, playing the part in front of my parents. I can feel her slipping away, and I have no fucking idea why this is happening.
I rest my arm on the back of her chair, my thumb touching the base of her spine, but she inches forward. If you were not looking close enough, you would not see the movement.
My blood starts to simmer, hating not knowing why she is acting like this with me.
We eat the food that is served, Nell giving my parents and everyone at the table her full attention. While I get fucking scraps of conversations that a family member drags me into.
I should be grateful that she fits so well with my family but not at the expense of me being fucking ignored.
The table is cleared, and I reach for her hand under the table. She tenses, letting me take her hand in mine and setting it on my thigh, giving the illusion that we are okay, but only for a second.
Nell pulls her hand back, reaching for her wine, and I grit my teeth, staring a hole into the side of her head.
“If you will excuse me, I need the ladies room.” She pushes her chair back, collects her purse, then leaves, not once looking at me.
“Man, you must have fucked up. She is like a viper ready to strike, but will not make a scene.”
“She has not told me anything; fuck, she has barely spoken to me.”
I have played over our time here, time and time again, and nothing is popping up that would make her behave like this.
Keeping a watch on the door that leads to the restrooms, I wait for her to come back. Something in my gut is telling me that something clearly upset her, but what?
I need her to talk to me.
We cannot go on like this for the next two days; it will drive me crazy and I know that I will say something fucking stupid to hurt her.
Being here with her has made me see that I want something more with her. Last night, talking with Daniella made me see that Nell is worth the risk of getting my heart broken again.
I sit up straighter when she walks back into the room, smiling at my family, hugging Mia and her new husband. Jealousy rears its head that she is touching another man, albeit a newly married man, but she will not let me hold her hand.
People are dancing, laughing, chatting, and drinking in celebration. The happy couple dance in the middle of the room, love clear on their faces as they are surrounded by family.
Italian people know how to party and drink. There have been many times where the cops were called, but I am hoping that it does not get that out of hand this time.
“Dance with me,” I say, standing when Nell comes back to the table.
